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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 เม.ย. 2024
- Romance scammers drain billions of dollars from people seeking love, and their tactics have evolved in sinister ways in the online age. CBS News goes inside this devastating epidemic unfolding largely in secret, following the journey of an Illinois woman seeking answers after her mother’s mysterious death. Watch more CBS Reports documentaries that dive into the key issues driving the national and global conversation at cbsnews.com/cbs-reports
#news #scams #documentary
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At 55 yrs old its safer to get a dog and find hobbies, then try and look for a husband or wife. It's ok to be single. Its peaceful
Friend, at 55yo you’ve got so much life ahead of you. I don’t know your health but it’s possible that you could easily live another 50 years. The dog & hobbies are a great idea but love with someone in your age range is still possible. ❤
After a certain age, it's impossible to meet decent, available men. The good ones are taken. But it could certainly happen!
@@denisedaniel9010 not true. Decent older men think exactly the same about finding decent women. It's a contact issue, there are not many avenues to find each other, especially since what we are talking about is only really confirmed after some length of time that is most likely longer than the amount of patience we allow ourselves for this in modern times.
At any age these days it’s safer to keep to ourselves!
Dating is seriously dangerous and with these apps it has gotten worse!!!
It's not just about getting married... People need people. We get lonely and yearn for companionship. The driving force behind most people is finding love....true love. The human condition is always searching for it... 😢
At 55 you are not d3ad😅
Everyone keeps saying in these comments “I would never”, “I’d get a dog”, “sad a woman can’t live without a man”… shame on you. You don’t have the right to disparage this woman. Some people cope well with loneliness, some do not. She had a dog and they said she was always with her. A dog though a wonderful companion doesn’t replace human communication and compassion. Those of you commenting negatively? I hope if anything horrific happens to you the comment section on your story isn’t full of victim shaming and vitriol.
Speak the truth!!! Yes! 🙏👏
Yes it’s very true. When you’re lonely it’s easy to fall for it.
Depending on our age, religion, and background, some of us were brought up believing that if we weren't part of a "couple" we were/are incomplete.
It's like growing up Catholic. We know some of the church's teachings aren't true. We know some of the actions weren't right (transferring pedophile priests instead of defrocking and prosecuting them), BUT it's OUR culture, so we continue with it!
They don’t know what it means to be lonely. I had never been alone from 1970 to 2013. It was awful. I had to have my kids taking turns staying we me in my room watching tv till I fell asleep. It’s disturbing how those who’ve never been thru what someone has is so judgmental with no empathy. Try praying for them. I’ve literally watched karma make the same judgmental people experience the same thing they put people down for. That’s when they apologize. 🥹
K whatever
First Rule of Internet Dating: Nothing is real unril you physically meet.
Yes. Meet-- then decide.😎
@@marknewton6984but even then... People lie
@@marknewton6984 Meet multiple times. Anyone can be nice and normal for a few meets.
And then, you are no safer than meeting with Ted Bundy!
First rule should be NO LOVE TALK BEFORE MEETING!
I worked at a bank for a few years. Part of the job was to watch out for Elder Abuse via Romance scammers or abusive guardians. It’s way more common than people think
What happens when you catch it
@@nadiastar6264 it depends how severe it is. In the one case that comes to mind that was a romance scammer specifically we had an adult child of the elderly lady on the account as well. Many elderly people have one of their kids on their account so they can help them. We notified them of our suspicions and from there it was a family issue. They thankfully talked some sense into her. If we can’t speak to family then we would try educating the individual about romance scammers, and from there what they did was up to them. Our job included monitor for things like that and bring them to our branch manager, who handled it case by case. We had training courses quarterly and one of them was usually about what to look for. At the end of the day it is their money to do what they want, so we can’t actually do much more than that
@@nadiastar6264
Good question
I know this is happening to my elderly neighbor and I wonder what your job title is because I been looking for someone to help us. Her whole identity has been stolen and her name is destroyed now.
@@lanayhebert2169 I was a new account rep. I started as a teller. Unfortunately there isn’t much the bank would be able to help you with. They monitor it because they don’t want the money leaving the bank, so it’s purely out of self interest in a corporate mindset. You probably will need to consult with a lawyer to help your neighbor
This is absolutely horrible. It happened to my elderly (81) neighbor. She met the con man at church! They meet these creeps at church too!!!! She lost a lot of her retirement money and her health. I never see her anymore due to her poor health and the shame she feels.
Tbf there’s lots of creeps at church.
There are lots of creeps around the elderly and churches
This is so sad ... Is she still your neighbor? I think it might be a nice gesture to make her some home cooked meal and a little note at her doorstep. I'm sure she probably needs to feel that someone cares about her... Just an idea ❤
I was going to say this as well. I think it would mean the world to that lady. She needs friends.
@@adriana27100
@@adriana271001000%
People are so lonely and broken mentally… they are a prime target for these scams.
everyone has anxiety & loneliness--- the issue is getting addicted w online flirting- is' a dopamine combo of attraction & gambling
Both are good points
Exactly ❤❤❤: People are really so lonely. They are looking for love. They are so desperate.
It seems like having children would be enough to fulfill your life. But I guess not.
@@schawnettarobinson8584 why is it desperate to look for love? just curious.
That veteran lady was in the same situation as her mother, just on a different part of the timetable of the scam.
I really hope that, if what she said is true, they drop those charges against her. Intent matters, and they know that. They know that women probably didn't intend to defraud anyone, and if she really didn't make a dime, it's pretty clear she wasn't intentionally defrauding anyone.
@@I_HaVe_QuEsTiOnS4uDitto. She was being honest. Good luck to her.
That’s what I commented too. I believe that she was innocent or at the very least oblivious and should not be charged
My heart goes out to the victim's daughter. I suspect it was suicide, but never would have happened without the scammers doing what they did to her.
Absolutely 💯
You don’t drown by suicide. Not like she did
This is suspect
@@maryjane4432 absolutely you can in a river that big. If she just walked in and then let the river take her. That river is very big and deep.
Yes she was probably ashamed and afraid after the call from the FBI the day before and knew she messed up. She would've probably been facing charges like the other woman they talked to that helped scammers. I don't know why anyone chooses death as a way out though. I could never do that to my family no matter how bad thing became.
"I'm a very honest and loyal person." I would instantly see that as a RED FLAG.
You ain’t lying. Like be real with me. Lay out the issues so I can determine if I wanna sink time on to you. I’m lucky we said what we needed and that’s that. No gimmicks
Right?
If you have to say "I am a loyal and sincere person..." You likely are the exact opposite
I'm upper 60's, widowed, I have accepted that "romance" is probably something in my past. I have other relationships now, friendships, volunteering. At my age single women outnumber single men about 5 to 1. If someone started flattering me and "falling in love" (esp. online) I would be very (VERY) skeptical. And if they were overseas, not in my town - "call me when you're in my area."
Women who feel like they have to be in a romantic, hearts and flowers relationship until the day they die, are not being realistic, and are easily scammed.
You go! That's exactly the right place to put the energy 👏
Agree - There are so many ways to make social connections and to have significance in this life besides dating.
I am 67 years old and it is good that you have accepted “romance is probably something in your past”. I was there. I had just finished a narcissistic “situationship”. My background? I was a widow married for 30 years, been with the same man for over 35 years. It was the start of Covid and I was desperate for companionship. After that “situationship” with the narcissistic, I became lonely again and joined Match. I was adamant that I would not fall in love. In Match, a man caught my attention whose was also a widower. He spoke of the homes and money he had to provide to a woman. I thought to myself, this guy is going to get scammed! I felt very protective of him but I had no attraction to him whatsoever. And, by the way, I have my own home and funds so I was not in need of “saving”. We started corresponding and lo and behold, (almost) three years later, we are in love and having the best time of our lives. He’s a good guy and is not broke! And, he brings me flowers!! Don’t lose hope. They are out there. Just be patient and continue to walk away from those who do not deserve your love and attention! My friend found love at 79 with a wonderful fellow!!
It's not a matter of what these lonely people THINK, as you say. It has to do with what they FEEL. They do not have strong emotional networks, to help support them through the loss of a spouse, etc. I wish that Laura had not relocated so soon after her husband's death. That left her without a strong emotional support network built up yet, in a brand new location, and made her vulnerable to these romance scammers, for a sense of connection.
Dont idealize relationships. When you fulfill yourself, you know your worth and have strong boundaries. You learn to respect those same aspects in others and you see through their weakness and BS.
As soon as someone u do not know asks u for money, block them immediately.
Did anyone ever call to confirm if a federal agent actually did call from the FBI to inquire about her mother possibly being involved in some kind of scam? The whole thing just seems odd to me. That person, claiming to be from the FBI could have been in on the scam and was maybe used as a scare tactic or something else along those lines. If that was the case then unfortunately, it scared her so bad that she felt the only way out was to take her own life.
That sounded fishy to me too. I would think the FBI would make at least INITIAL contact with someone in person, not through a phone call.
There us no way in HELL I'd believe the actual FBI was making initial contact with me. Nope.
I can see nobody will ever scam you. The FBI covers for criminals like the Clintons, Bushes and Obamas because if they take them down the whole government scam comes down. We are not safe here.
I thought the same myself. The fact they didn't touch on that part much also leaves me with questions.
I wondered the same thing. Like why would the fbi tell her daughter why they were calling in a voicemail? Wouldn’t that give her mother time to get her story straight or delete evidence r flee? Weird
People still believe that everyone is born basically good despite all the news to the contrary.
yes, I call it delusional denial. the level of denialism is so dangerous and it's definitely a result of our congress failing to laws with teeth for oversight of social media
So you're saying we're born bad? Be careful with that, it's just one step removed from making people think being bad is "being natural/normal"
Not really scammers Charms one,
It’s a bias most humans are born with. Makes sense since humans survived and thrived in societies. We don’t have claws, sharp teeth, or tough skin.
People are not born tabula rasa, but they sure are not born good or bad, either. Thinking some bad personality traits or actions are somehow inherent to humanity is quite a slippery slope, since people can then go one step further and excuse bad behavior as "natural" and "tragically human".
Why doesn't the social media platforms say where these people are ACTUALLY from? And make it so that they can't fake their location!
There is software available for anyone to use to do this.
@@lifespanwellnessbeauty-60i64 Oh! It just figures! 😭
Exactly. They should make it so the cannot make an account without a verified phone number that shows the true location or something like that. I know they have programs to change your ip location and stuff so that would probably get around it, but with the technology today you would think they could come up with a way to make people verify where and who they are before making an account
they make money from the number of users subscribed. If they acted more honestly they wouldn't be able to attract the investment and advertisements that make them the billionaires we celebrate. At the end of the day money is more important to them than the safety of their users. We celebrate them for their money regardless how they make it.
@@Boahemaa Interesting insight! ☺️😔
I lost the love of my life who I met at 14, and the hardest part is my phone never rings anymore. Brandon called me 30 times a day. He worked evenings and I worked days so he would make me coffee in the morning and go back to sleep and call when he woke up and when he drove to work and after each of his meetings and then I I would meet him for his lunch break. All the kids have lives of their own and this was supposed to be our time. All I have now is silence.
I'm so sorry. ❤
That's so sad 😢
Find the music…the hum of the universe…it’s everywhere and also in you. Attune to what feels harmonious to your own inner frequency…and follow that path. If you are here, you are important and needed…don’t leave this world with a song that might mean everything to those in your immediate orbit. But first, know and appreciate your own song…honor and respect that which is YOU. You are a miracle. Be well, beautiful soul. May you be comforted, nourished, encouraged and find strength as you grieve and heal…and if possible…express your sadness and your needs to safe individuals who love you and whom you love. Sending you love from the bottom of my heart right to wherever you are on this planet. 🙏🤍✨
I’m so sad for you. I know if I lost my wife, I would be lost. But I will tell you one thing I do even now is volunteer and try to expand my social group. I would recommend that you. If you don’t meet someone romantically you could end up meeting some really good friends. I encourage everyone to stay away from online stuff because that’s where they come for your money.
Me too.
He Swedish but has roots in Iowa come on now you can’t make this stuff up😂😂
I had a friend getting scammed by a guy. I begged her to send him our local paper and take a photo with it for her. One excuse after another. His camera in his phone didn't work, oh but here's a photo of your engagement ring. We went to her bank tried to warn them, went to her kids, tried to warn them. Nothing worked these scammers are hard core and going after lonely people. It's sick. I'm so sorry about your momma.
They all say the same lies, they work overseas, very good looking, successful, with one or two young children, and they fall in love with you the moment they look at your picture. Through the years I've got at least 50-100 of these scammers, has never worked with me, I only do video chat or record their conversations to hear their accent, if they sound weird, I just block them. They still try it with me almost every day, I'm lonely but not desperate. Be careful out there mature women, they're looking for us on a daily basis, they need money, not love.😢😢
Don’t forget they’re also single parent, bc the kid’s other parent died from cancer or some other traumatic disease or incident 🤦♂️ 🤦♂️ just shameful.
I have 3 girl friends that's have lost a lot , my friend is 63 her mom broke her hip was in the hospital, she not only mail the checks out for her mom's bills. But she took 75,000 - put it into her investors = bit coin - kripto something , there passport always expires last minute no notice, there workers made mistakes on jobs, they were injured need money for medical care. Border patrol are holding them with a big box of cash. Always tons of boxes of cash. 😢
This is why I'm so confused as to how people fall for the scam. They're always on an oil rig, or in the military or on some secret, undercover mission, which is by design with the scammer. They know if someone falls for something that would be a HUGE red flag for most people, that person will be easy picking to fall for the scam.
The old oil rig😸😹😹
They don't NEED money... they are just greedy predators without a conscious
Loneliness is literally killing us and so many are taking advantage. Gosh! I wish I could show every lonely person how to tap into love
You make it sound so easy.😂
Over 50 - DO NOT GET MARRIED! You can have a “relationship” and still keep finances, savings, retirement accounts & deed to your home SEPARATE!!! People are so gullible - enjoy each other’s company and still keep your money safe.
I was scammed myself on instagram 6 years ago and it hurt my mom so much. Now I’m off social media. I’m so sorry for your loss . I hope people this year can be careful . Cause scammers are bad news
glad you are off! some fall into a spin cycle
This is social media.
@@shananagar1601☠️🥴
How are you off social media but you’re here? Makes no sense
@@osopetty1761this isn’t really ‘social’
Here is another potential layer to this story. The actions they talked her mother into, like creating new fake accounts, and moving other people’s stolen money around, could have potentially led to more deaths than just her mother’s. We are learning of her mother. But how many victims are tied to this exact line of activity who we aren’t aware of? Catching and prosecuting these criminal rings needs to become a prior. We also might need financial advocates for the elderly, who can monitor and shut down suspicious activity like this that involves them.
Thank you for being truly compassionate. Television can make people think anything.
I'm sorry for this woman. This wasn't something to die over, or even spend a decade in jail over. But she was corrupt. I feel for her daughter. She is the innocent victim we do know about.
Also, 55 is not elderly.
@@l.w.paradis2108 I don’t know if she was corrupt or extremely naive. I think the report said she had only been with her high school sweetheart. She wasn’t familiar with all the games romance scammers play. Plus if she was savvy she wouldn’t have given him all her money. I think she was naive, lonely, and desperate. It doesn’t make her completely innocent because her participation might have harmed other people. It’s a sad situation all the way around.
@peacefreedom4930 Well, when asked by a stranger to help launder money through fraudulent entities she set up, and to create fake dating profiles, she did not seek legal advice, or psychological counseling. She just plain did it. I guess she could have been very naive in some ways and clearly corruptible in others.
No one who loves you asks you to do things like this.
@@peacefreedom4930 Agreed, very sad. Had she not lost her husband at a relatively young age, she might never have faced anything like this.
Sweet Kelly, I'm so sorry. What a wonderfully blessed woman Laura was to have had a daughter as lovingly persistent as you! I hope and pray you find anyone and everyone involved and responsible for your mother's death, and I pray you and your family all find peace during this storm. Much love from Georgia. ❤
Amen 🙏
The mother joined in the scam. I wonder who her victims were and how they are.
It is virtually impossible to establish a relationship online or over the phone. You must relate to someone in person. Meeting in person and dating in person is still the best way to go.
I've just celebrated my 10th anniversary with my husband I met online. We are from different countries.
However! These officers were useless.
@cathrinekruger5499 Yes, a few couples do occasionally meet successfully online. But it's not common...
@@user-dr7bx3uo6zI met my man 11 years ago on POF 🤷♀️
My best friend met her man online also
@@flawdagal Yes it can happen, but in my experience I only found scammers.
My husband's aunt fell victim to a romance scam, and she ended up cutting us out of her life when we tried helping her. She tried reaching out to him a few years back, but my husband decided he was done. She was extremely nasty and said some horrible things that he just wasn't willing to forgive.
Auntie seems nuts.
I still think the dating apps need to be found at fault and start dealing with multiple lawsuits and become bankrupt….I have been a potential victim from many years ago and the only reason I never sent money to this guy was because I was poor as a church mouse…and still am🤭 what’s sad is if her mom had just asked her daughter to take a look at things before any transactions had started this tragedy could have been avoided…her daughter is very loving and caring…❤
there needs to be a series of class action lawsuits! Some fo these sites are probably created by scammers too
@@RawOlympiasame with predators being allowed on apps harming children. These apps need to go away. They had plenty of time to get right and protect people. They don’t care
How can you blame the platform? Where does personal responsibility and accountability end? Remember this: YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID!!! If send a stranger my life savings, how is that not my fault?
Yes. You should need a driver's license or a valid passport to sign up. End of story!
This is why I would never do online dating it's so dangerous you don't know who your talking to always be careful
Online dating is for losers and scammers.😮
Doesn't only happen online sadly.
@@EmsLionheart sadly your right but at least you know who your talking to and can identify the person
scammers have tried to get me also as I am less than 10 years younger than your mom. I am so sorry for your loss.
Poor woman probably felt she had no choice but to end her life to make it stop. She wasn’t just broke, she was broken, heartsick, humiliated and absent of all hope of any kind of recovery from this. Being notified that the FBI was looking into a fraud scam probably confirmed what she suspected but was denying herself to believe. And that was more than she could handle. Bless her heart. She just wanted love.
it was determined by the medical examiner to be homicide, not suicide
I was scammed and it is a horrible thing. There is so much shame and embarrassment.. these scammers are evil. I just thought that I was in an online relationship but as time went on and my family found out that things were really bad. I pray for this woman’s family.. and I pray for everyone else.. please be careful yall
My mom got scammed real bad last year. Like almost went to jail type of scammed. Hopefully she’s learned her lesson.
My grandmother (years ago) was scammed out of an excess of 100k by a younger man who breadcrumbs her for a long time. She ended up losing her mother's house and had to live with my parents for the last 10 years of her life because she was romantically scammed by him. So sad to witness.
I would NEVER use dating sites! They are so dangerous!
They were relatively safe in the early onset ( early 2000’s), but then they eventually got infiltrated by scammers!
They are on all social media!
we all need to touch grass. online is not real.
They are everywhere; many find their victims on Facebook and Instagram as well.
"I would NEVER use dating sites! They are so dangerous!"
Stupid is dangerous. A lack of common sense is dangerous.
Wearing your heart on your sleeve is dangerous.
I lost my soulmate of 40 yrs in 2021. I will never date again. I can never love another man. It's sad some women can't live without a man.
Same here - married 40 years until 2023. No more men for me.
I lost my husband of 35 yrs in 2022, I’m relatively “young” at 55 this year, but you couldn’t pay me to start dating. I’ve never loved any man besides my late husband and couldn’t even imagine being with someone else. Although it’s pretty lonely, I have my dog here with me and that’s just going to have to be enough for me.
@@teridoster5840 sorry for your loss. I totally agree with you. Also I could never be with another man. It wouldn't be fair to him. I would always be comparing my làte hubby to the new man. Couldn't love another man. Lonely at times but I know one day I will be with him.
@@teridoster5840 I was six months away from my 60th birthday when I lost my soulmate. Sorry for your loss. It never gets easier. Three years for me. Miss him more everyday.
@@sal1665 I’m sorry for your loss as well. I totally agree with you, and I don’t care how much time passes, if I were to ever go out with another man it would _feel_ like I’m cheating, and I could never live with myself feeling like that. My (ex?)stepmom (I don’t really know what to call her, lol, she divorced my dad almost 20 yrs ago after 30 yrs together) told me a couple weeks ago that I “need to go out and find a new man” bcuz it’s the best thing she ever did for herself (2 months after leaving my dad btw)… I told her she was nuts and that I didn’t hate my husband like she did, i actually loved mine deeply, so I wouldn’t be hopping into bed with the first man that gave me a second glance. She didn’t like that very much and we haven’t spoken since😅 but I was angry bcuz she knows me better than to suggest something so tone deaf
Rather get a dog it's safe and the dog will love you with all it's heart
Literally.
That’s not the same, though. Humans seek other humans for touch, love, and companion. No dog can ever replace human touch, love and companion. Always been that way. With that logic, why not get a AI robot. You can program it to do whatever you want.
they would've been better off...love is a story fantasy...not reality...
Laura (the woman this news piece is about) literally had a dog. People who get dogs for companionship might even be more likely to fall for a romance scam!
Stay safe, people. Confide in your family or friends, don't keep love a secret from your loved ones!
Dog isn’t companionship. People want romance.
I feel no one has walked in your mother's shoes so they can't judge. Your mother would be so proud this is a wonderful thing your doing ❤️ 💖 love light and healing vibes to you and your family.
Oh, Kelly I am so truly sorry for the loss of your amazing momma. I also fell victim to these evil people. It was a long time ago and I'm still healing. I thought I was an intelligent woman that would see through any of this. As it turned out I was not able to see it. These despicable people prey on older, disabled lonely people. I have only Social Security for money. And yet I think I sent about $10,00.00. My friends treated me like I was stupid. It was degrading, embarassing, and destroyed my self esteem. As well as my ability to trust myself. As I said, it was a long time ago. But I still work on it.
I will forever be single and deal with life on my own. But I am still alive. Your mom's story breaks my heart. Please be well. Be happy and love and trust yoyrself. ❤
If anyone messages you over the Internet or social media asking for money and it's not from a confirmed family member or friend, NEVER DO IT! Block them in every way possible so they cannot contact you and seek help. Even if it is a family member or friend, it's best to meet them in person if possible rather than wire money electronically.
I see posts like yours all the time. The problem is, the people who really need this message are NOT listening. Either they think it doesn't apply to them or they're just living under a rock somewhere.
It's like they're living in the land of delusion.
Bad enough with all the bank scammers.. Now love scammers.
Love scammers have been around for years and years
They have been around for years, just now more people are finding out about them.
I am really sorry to hear this and thank you for sharing this story to others. Yes, your effort to share this WILL save someone's lives.
Make no mistake,,,, Love is a drug.
If I live long enough, I can't wait to be single for the rest of my life.
Yeah after my divorce I got involved with an online scammer for a few days. But when he tried to get money from me for a plane ticket to “come visit” me I knew it was a scam.
Great work, *Vortextrace* - I’m thrilled that you’re actively combatting these scammers. It’s crucial to prioritize the safety of the elderly and the public by taking every necessary measure to protect them. You truly deserve recognition for your efforts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My Dad was living two lives. Texted my mom by accident that’s how we found out. Next day my Dad didn’t live with us anymore. Moved outta state to live with his other family. Mom got really sick and died from Cancer a few years later. I think she died from a broken heart. Miss you momma bear! ❤
Shame on law enforcement for being too lazy and insensitive to conduct a proper investigation into this woman's death, which is precisely what our tax dollars pay them to do! Who commit suicide by drowning themselves in a river??? Is that even possible? Even if it is, who would chose that way over the easier ways to do so? As unlikely of a way to commit suicide that would be, then to add in her being scammed over a million dollars and fearing for her life coming to an end (as she stated in that letter). There's more than enough reason to investigate foul play here.
I have such a strong respect for this woman's daughter. She's so brave and strong. She is still fighting for justice for her mother, other scam victims and to protect other potential victims. I am confident that her new baby daughter will grow up to be so proud of her mother. RIP Laura.
When citizens become involved in criminal activities like drugs or prostitution, and then become victims, it becomes much more difficult for police to investigate the crime. To avoid being a victim, stay away from criminals, and be wary of any stranger who might be trying to manipulate you. Teach your children. Convincing you to take part in a criminal activity, is often a set-up for your own victimization. Because you might fear being implicated, you would probably be tempted to keep your activities and connections secret, even from those you are closest to, and you are afraid to ask others for help and their opinions. That secretive double life and of course the ringleaders and puppetmasters cover their tracks from the beginning. That's why it's so hard for to investigate, when victims have played a part in their own exploitation by letting themselves be conned into criminal behavior and keeping secrets. Remember that the con artist is always several steps ahead of the mark, that's you. A great movie about this is House of Games.
There is also the problem of jurisdiction unfortunately
I agree. That idiot sheriff telling this young woman her mother committed suicide. How dare he!!! Her daughter knew her well and knew she would not commit suicide. Sadly, she will never know the full story of what happened to her mother. Especially since the con man is over in Africa. He will never face justice. Stay off these sites, ladies!!!! They are a predator’s playground.
Lazy gaslighters.
@@OurOceansBeauty There isn't any problem with jurisdiction. There may be a problem with extradition if he's abroad when charges are filed against him, but the police should conduct an investigation no matter what and, if there is enough to charge someone, then they should be charge that person. If that someone is in another country but eventually sets foot again on American soil, they can be arrested and extradited back to the charging state, no problem. If Interpol can grab him from another country and that country allows him to be extradited and brought back to the USA to face trial is another question though, but he'll be locked up if he ever tries to return to the US.
They should block countries like Ghana from having access to those dating sites.
This is so ridiculous I couldn't even watch all of it. These people are delusional.
Every guy I personally knew who registered for online dating had a bankruptcy in his past. No exceptions.
Such a tragic story. So many people are victims of these scams--you never know who is behind the keyboard 😢
say it with me
ONLINE IS NOT REAL
ONLINE IS NOT REAL
ONLINE IS NOT REAL
I met my husband online... been married 21 years... i have a 19 year old son.. is he not real????
Online is for losers.😮
@@marknewton6984 thats why you are here....
It’s very interesting who gets the benefit of victimhood and who doesn’t. This entire situation is sad.
Exactly!! Hard for me to have empathy for the situation now.
Thats exactly what I was thinking, it’s sad to me that Laura and Jennifer are victims to the same exact scam, yet one is called a victim and the other may be locked up for 30 years because she didn’t khs
This man, typical story I’ve heard before on these online sites. These people steal photos from public websites and create fake people. They know how to lie and they know the right things to say. I hate how sick these people are.
I watched a documentary where people from some Asian countries are lured in with the promise of a job only to be forced into forced labor for massive call centres dedicated to these sort thing, run by big mafias. The documentary came about bc they manage to escape. Another interesting doc on the subject is the Sakawa boys of such call centres in Africa
There are TONS of stories showing how people fall for these "lovers." Here are some:
www.youtube.com/@CatfishedOnline/videos
I'm proud of you for having the strength to help others by sharing your story. I hope you will someday find peace.
Well, this might be worse than getting recruited by a CULT…glad the daughter is speaking out.Mom got love bombed and fell into to that WEB too deep. Very,very sad.😢🙏🏾😢
I understand how some people may get scammed, but then in rurn working for them to scam others and move money for them? Thats where my sympathy ends
I don't understand how in the 2020's people are still being scammed. I know sometimes it can be hard to tell but meeting someone online is always risky
This is unbelievable. We are all on our own to protect ourselves from the evil in this world. 1.5 million dollars to a stranger??? I don't understand.
How do you go to I love you in twelve days? It happens when some people don't use the common sense they were born with.
I honestly think people should just avoid on-line dating sites - problem solved.
That's not always the case. Scams occur when people meet in person, as well. These manipulators defile the emotions of caring and loving people. Some of these evil individuals will even marry others they've never loved, in order to steal everything from others!
I'm sorry about the loss of your mom. May you find peace. Also, in this day and age, news of romance scams are everywhere. How can people still fall for that? It makes no sense to send money to a romantic "partner" you've never met.
Right??!!! How can "pretty words" alone create this very real feeling of love ... and ... how can people not grow suspicious when such high amounts of money are involved?! It is so strange to me
unfortunately, even intelligent people fall for them, especially after a major trauma. our brains are wired to often put feelings first. this is shown in psych research. I wouldn't believe it, but I'm a therapist who's seen it. when people go through losing a loved one to cancel and they don't get therapy, they're especially vulnerable to this kind of crime and it's only going to get worse with AI
Thank you for coming out and sharing your heart breaking tragedy. May your Mother RIP and hopeful you will find peace.
Nice post. Start by giving kind condolence. End it by posting something that, in effect, shames her mother for being so dumb to "still fall for [an online scam]" when everyone can see that these scams are "everywhere" "in this day and age." Just end it at, "...May you find peace." Good grief...
It's like invason of the body snatchers, perfectly logical people going off the deep end within days, horrifying. My film teacher from the Art Institute of Chicago, a man, fell for one who had a cult, pre internet, and he was killed by her. A man with a dream job! Handsome! But his mom had just died and he was in a vulnerable place...
That poor woman, I'm so sorry for her loss and what she's been through.
i just had two catfishes contact me today via a dating app. i can tell if they r fake.
Kelly, Thank you for sharing your experience and educating the community in your process of grieving and finding a productive avenue while you navigate. There are so many ways to find ourselves conned, scammed, and/or seduced and groomed--then conned again somehow--a hostage taking or a 'friend' being slick... A very wise woman once surprised me when she said she hated Charm. Anyone 'charming'? Her instant flashpoint: Why the Pixie Dust? She not only never trusted charm, she used it as her alarm bell. That 'Pixie Dust' has helped me for ages.
It’s hard to understand how to protect yourself if you’ve only seen the good side of things. I first got scammed in middle school on an online game with in-game money. Then in high school, a boy I was talking to in a game sent me a fake photo and I believed it was him until my friend told me the photo was of a foreign celebrity. I became cautious after that point.
I don't care what the reason, no matter how depressed someone was or how guilty they might have felt, if they had an animal that they loved, they would not commit suic*de without somehow securing that animals care. They just wouldn't do it.
What an unbelievable reaction to something so sad
The strength of this young woman to find out what happened to her Mom is what will keep her doing amazing things for others. So sad that scammers don’t have a conscience or a heart!
This daughter is one composed and capable person. It's a tough road, but if anyone can navigate it, I get the sense that this girl can.
All the scammers say the same thing most of them are widows and that’s a red flag then they all have one child then they all have a child that’s either boarding school
Then the man says that he has no family or would tragically lost in an accident or a fire most of the way have died from cancer. This is the norm. Then they don’t wanna call you and yes they call you at night because they’re working during the day and it’s not who the person is then when you tell them to show themselves all they’re either on a rig or they’re out of town these are red flags.
So sorry for your loss, I took have falled for a similar romance scam& lost only my money and my dog so I am so sorry for your loss and I thank you for sharing this
I LOVE the fact that the victims were able to leave that message to the assistance team. They were ables to tell that guy, they are no longer victims! you are such an awesome force *VortexTrace* be reckoned and that is why I watch you!! Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love my children more and attend mass regularly. I know I'm loved, and I have better things to do with my time & money!
Are you just going straight to heaven with your sanctimonious attitude! Good for you. You’re much better than all of us!
I think she is just saying that she fills her time with people who truly love her.
Rude af of you@@waterwomaninFL
@@waterwomaninFLShe is not in any way sanctimonious. Stop your hatred for those who are religious. Stop being evil.
@@SawSaw-zd1cy Do NOT assume I am not religious and God fearing just because I believe in NOT BLAMING THE VICTIM (while wrapping yourself in religion). To say you “attend mass regularly” seems to give @charlyleeme!9321 the right to blame someone who is in a vulnerable place in her life. This is certainly not what the Bible directs us to do, is it?
As I watch an ad for a dating app and wait
In this day & age, there is absolutely no reason that a person cannot do a video call no matter what they say. So to anyone who is reading this, you should always be able to verify that the person is exactly who they say with him the first few days. Secondly never trust anybody who asked you for money and who doesn’t know you personally.
I've been targeted multiple times on Facebook. I tell them I am happily married. Thankfully I haven't fallen for their BS.
I feel for the daughter because I have a widowed mother. Thankfully, my mother is rarely on social media and doesn't use dating apps and hasn't fallen for their BS either.
I have been targeted also on FB. They use the oldest scam out there. Military men in other countries. I tell them I am poor and please get a new scam. Lol. I also ask them to send me money. Needless to say I get left alone after that. I'm a widow and I don't need a man. I do fine all by myself.
And now with video filters anyone can impersonate anyone.
plus social media, if ppl want to know someone thoroughly, i believe is not too difficult. i don't even go into social media website.
@@gimpee8113 yup, my ex whom I was not speaking to, befriended me on FB with a fake profile, reporting to believe we went to grade school together. I was super savvy, but I fell for it as she knew a lot about me.
AI now let's scammers steal any voice or face they want
@@user-dl1xw3bg5h yep, even your own family members. We need to have control questions to make sure it’s really them.
I watched a few episodes of the catfished YT channel where very obvious fake videos (before AI filters existed) were enough to fool people. They totally ignored the red flags. You’re right, in the world of AI is going to be even easier 😢.
Well done, *VortexTrace* - I’m grateful that you are actively combatting these individuals of low moral character. It is crucial that we take every possible action to protect the elderly and the general public from these detestable scammers! Congratulations to you!! You deserve the highest recognition for ensuring our safety, my friend.
I pray you get the answers you deserve ! 🙏🏼
All dating sites there should be ways to immediately identify scam accounts and notify all contacts. This should be normal everyday business !!! 😮😮😮
My darling wife and I both send our most deepest condolences! To you and your family! As we are so so very trying sorry this helped to you and your family! As we do for all these and is happing to still today May God bless you and all !!
The 1 thing that I’d never say:Online dating is safer.😳🤦♀️
It does not happen to ANY body. Feelings are not facts. People believe what they want to believe not what they are. No one has an obligation to stop anyone from doing things they knowingly want to do. Stop blaming others for your own mistakes. Take responsibility for your own actions.
💯
I love it when the victims try to blame the banks for not stopping them sending money, as if they are adult baby sitters. People who fall for it these scams refuse to listen and accept reality.
Love is also fabricated in the mind. Honesty and respect are virtues that promote peace and harmony. Love is a form of discrimination and causes blindness to reality.
I’m so sorry for the daughter’s loss. 💔 I think it’s amazing that she’s helping others now. ❤
This why I try to teach my mom & kids about stuff like this. The internet is not a safe playground. If you can’t see or talk to that person in real life BLOCK!
As an older female, ladies (and gentlemen) get a dog or cat. We are old 😮 if somebody asked me for money that is a problem.
Can you imagine having to get used to a new man's habits and idiosyncracies? Girl, no!😅
@@denisedaniel9010 🤣🙏
Thanks, Kelly, for sharing your story. It will definitely help other people.
I’m so sorry for your loss Kelly.
These victims are also co-conspirators. If they are charged with the crimes they are committing, perhaps they'll realize they are a willing part of scam.
Yeah some of these people would conveniently come back to reality very quickly if they were suddenly facing some consequences. They were ignorant victims and blah blah blah…all the mental gymnastics suddenly become too hard to keep up once they have some skin in the game.
I get the ones on facebook that say, there doctors, and that their widowed
Imagine losing the love of your life to cancer, you already probably don’t want to stay here without them, and then you get scammed out of $1.5 million and the love you thought you found. I would leave this world too. 💔
Heartbreaking and unbelievable
While I never exchanged money I've had to deal with those scammers myself with online dating.
I can’t even imagine the pain and sorrow you are going through. You and yours are in my Prayers.
A very sad & heartbreaking story - just like most of the same stories you read about scammers. Handing over even a dollar to a stranger begins the charade. Imo-I don’t care how educated the victim is-no one is forcing them to send money.
How many different variations of this story are you going to upload? I feel like I've seen the same clips four times now just trying to get through the whole story.
I almost got scammed by a 40- year-old Sicilian man who lives in a tiny apartment with his parents and bunch of cats . He is unemployed, living off his parent's pension and his brother's support. His apartment has only two tiny bedrooms and they even have to share a single bathroom. A year ago, he befriended me through an English learning platform and expressed his love to me. My family is quite well off in Vietnam. My mom has several properies. Initally, our conversations were normal and then ge kept asking about my family's financial situation and asked if he could come to Vietnam and live with me so he wouldn't have to pay money for rent and work towards our future. I did smell smt fishy so i pretended my family was poor and he decided to end our relationship and told me that Asian people are moocher when they expect their boyfriend to pay for their meal. In our culture, we don't go dutch with partners, the person has to pay money if they invite them to a restaurant😅😅😅😅😅 and now that moocher lives in Mexico with a single mom for free while working towards his future, perhaps 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅 I'm glad that I did pretend that my family was poor and didn't share any private information, even my social media account 😅😅
Kudos to you, *Vortextrace* , for your exceptional commitment to protecting us from these dishonest scammers. It is of utmost importance that we prioritize the safety and well-being of the elderly and the general public by taking all necessary measures against these reprehensible con artists. You are truly deserving of praise!
This is a good daughter! Very smart woman! Why do women give money to men? Even men they are in relationship with! What is wrong with these women that they do that? Are they mental to begin with? Its crazy!
People have Book smarts and other people got Street smarts and what you got to know is that street smarts overlooks the brain smarts because in the real world. The reality is a very complex than what they tell you in the books. Be smart. There are people out in the world that live in reality.
Hinge in tinder are the worst when I was looking to date every day I was reporting a scammer like all the men on hingeor all scammers